Page 39 - Beverage MasterAprMay 2021

Craft Distillery

fermentation tanks that have optional heating and
cooling jackets to maintain optimal temperatures.

Distillers use tank meters to gauge pressure levels
in their tanks and monitor the liquids’ temperature
inside them. Meters also help distillers monitor the
flow to minimize product loss over time. Pressure-
relieving and venting devices are optional features
on some distillery tanks. Also, tank stands are
important in the distillery to hold and secure tanks
in a safe way. Frames built for this purpose come in
various sizes to fit different levels of production.

Distilleries also use CIP spray balls, hydrators,
valves and racking arms. Cooling coils, air com-
pressors, aging barrels, clamps and condensers are
other accessories that craft distilleries may need to
replace or upgrade over time.

Choosing the Right Tank Supplies

Distillers should choose tank wraps that are flex-
ible and easy to put on and adjust as necessary.
Tank insulation should have a good track record for
energy efficiency so the distillery can save money
in the long run. It’s in a distillery’s best interest to
work with a supplier that can build storage tanks
with as much insulation needed for the operation.

One good option for insulating beverage tanks is
the Flextank FlexChill system in a temperature-con-
trolled room. FlexChill is an exterior wrap chilling
system with glycol chillers. Useful for cylindrical
tanks in sizes from 50- to 300-gallons, this system
is designed for maximum insulation performance.
With distribution outlets in Washington, Australia,
South Africa, Chile and France, Flextank products
are used to produce wine, mead, cider and spe-
cialty spirits. For heating and cooling, distilleries
can also find dimple jackets, open jackets, half-
pipe coils and internal pipe coils from Stainless
Fabrication, Inc., in Springfield, Missouri.

Distillers should look for meters with hygienic
process fittings to maintain clean and sanitized
tanks that don’t compromise the quality of the
product. The measurement range and temperature
compensation capabilities are features to look for
when choosing a new meter. Some companies that
supply these meters will offer information security
standards and even loaner units while servicing an
existing product.

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